Pupils’ dream homes to brighten up Colchester development

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Winners from Montgomery Infant School and Nursery

The hoardings of a new 43-home development in Ilex Close, Colchester will soon be adorned with some bright and brilliant artwork from pupils at St Michaels Junior School, Montgomery Junior School and Montgomery Infant School and Nursery, thanks to a competition run by housing association Guinness South, in partnership with contractors Dove Jeffery Homes.

Through a desire to build relationships with the existing community in the area, an artwork competition was launched with three local schools which called for pupils to draw their dream house. The winning artists from each school not only won vouchers for a family day out, but will also see their drawing printed on their very own hoardings panel around the site. The runners-up each won a 57-piece art set and their drawings will be combined onto one panel.

Stephen Olujide, Head of Development for Guinness South, said: “It’s been fantastic to be involved in promoting community spirit in the areas surrounding Ilex Close. The pupils produced some wonderful and imaginative drawings and we are looking forward to seeing them printed larger than life around the site.”

Sally Leung, Head teacher of Montgomery Infant School and Nursery, said: “The competition was a great way to involve local schools in the community and I was delighted that so many children entered. They were so pleased with their prizes and the art boxes will certainly inspire them to continue with their artistic flair.”

The development at Ilex Close is located within an area of ex-Ministry of Defence housing which has 65 properties. The 43 new homes, consisting of two and three bedroom houses and two bedroom apartments, will utilise underused garage blocks, parking and landscaped areas.